How to Improve File Transfer Rate When Using Skype

Slow file transfer rates frustrate. Skype has a unique relay system for file transfers that can slow upload and download speeds in file transfers. But with a few tweaks you can improve your file transfer rate with Skype.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Skype account

1. Streamline your bandwidth. Stop any other downloads and refrain from browsing sites with many images or plug-ins while you are transferring. Close any file-sharing programs and stay off any online games.
2. Get both users to cut back on Internet activity. File transfer is a two-way highway, so both users should close unnecessary programs.
3. Stop Skype calls. Skype calls take priority over file transfers and will consume bandwidth.
4. Compress files. Files like MP3s and photos can be saved in formats that will make the file size smaller. Re-encode MP3s to a lower bit rate. Save pictures in jpeg or gif format and scale them down to size.
5. Bypass relay transfers. This is a bit advanced, but if you are behind a router or a firewall you are probably using a relay transfer, which is slower. You need to configure your firewall or router to allow UDP packets out and replies back in.
6. Buy a “P2P-friendly” router. While shopping for routers, check out models that will allow you a more direct file transfer on Skype.
7. Understand relay transfers. Not all machines can connect directly to each other, so Skype will bounce a file off another user in order to send a file. This has to do with network configurations and network address translations and is mostly problematic with routers or firewalls.

Tips & Warnings

• Relay transfers are not all bad. Some peer-to-peer file transfers will not work without relay transfers.
• If you lose your connection, you can resume a file transfer. Leave the transfer window open for as long as you need.
• Firewalls and routers are notoriously troublesome for file transfers. Search the Internet to see how best to configure your particular router model.
• Relay transfers are limited to a slow 1.0 KB per second. So try your best to get a direct connection.

Who Can Help:

• Find Computer, Electrical and Telephone Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Electrical Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.